ZombieChickens,
That isn't true, about burning off the fluid because of the energy used to melt the snow. The physiology of it just doesn't work that way, not for people, other mammals, or for chickens.
Think about it in terms of drinking ice water, or iced tea, or any other cold drink. The H2O used in the process of creating the heat energy to bring the cold liquid to body temperature is miniscule & microscopic compared to the volume of cold fluid ingested. And, if what you said is true, we'd ALL die of thirst during the winter--all that extra water used up keeping our bodies warm.
I think chickens could well take in enough snow to meet their fluid needs if they have access to it and if they like it. Just like you and I could survive using snow as our source of water if we wanted to or had to.
I watched my chickens for 4 hours free ranging yesterday. They ate snow as often as they would have drank water. Completely ignored the water all that time. They do indeed seem to love snow. Of course, as their food/water provider, I have learned that their whims change like the fleeting breezes. And the outside temperature might affect whether or not they are inclined to eat snow. I doubt if a chicken would die of thirst surrounded by snow, but who knows what's laid down in their genes?? They sure loved the shaved ice I gave them during the summer. Just like me--would rather eat crushed ice than drink water any day, even in the dead of winter. I like my water solid and chewable, lol. Maybe they are the same in that? The variety of feeling the cold snow in their beak, then actually swallowing the cold semisolid mass. Or maybe it's like kids playing in the snow who have never seen snow before--the novelty factor.
I hope those darned chickens would be smart enough to drink nice warm water if the weather REALLY got cold, like in sub zero temps, rather than chowing down on snow.
